Biz Traveler

Kenan & Diageo Vietnam empower hospitality workers

Released at: 12:39, 01/06/2016

Photos: Viet Tuan

Two announce results of training programs for female hospitality workers this year.

by Doanh Doanh

Kenan Institute Asia and Diageo Vietnam held a function on May 31 to announce the results of training programs for 712 female hospitality workers in Hanoi. The “Building Interpersonal Skills for Female Hospitality Workers in Vietnam” project is part of Diageo’s “Plan W” - a long term commitment to the community throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Mr. Richard Bernhard, Executive Director of Kenan said: “The program results demonstrate the positive impact the training has had on participants, increasing their specific awareness of critical workplace challenges as well as providing them with the tools to effectively manage them.”

The training began in February and finished in May with 20 training courses conducted to empower hospitality workers from 12 high-end hotels in Hanoi, including those of Accor, Hilton, Melia and others.

The training helped to improve workplace performance and promote the psychological well-being of female hospitality workers by developing their interpersonal skills, including teamwork, problem-solving and effective communication.

Participants have also increased their awareness about the DRINKiQ program, which is a responsible drinking initiative being implemented by Diageo in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies in Vietnam.

Mr. Shivam Mirsa, General Director of Diageo Vietnam said: “Sustainable growth can only be achieved if women can unleash their potential and impact their own life, their families, their children and their community. We will continue our Plan W journey to empower women in achieving their dreams in both work and life.” Diageo Vietnam is 100 per cent owned by Diageo Plc., a global leader in the alcoholic beverage industry.

Feedback from senior leaders of hotels that sent their staff to the training has been encouraging. “The tools our employees gained not only enable them to have greater autonomy in their personal lives but also improved their abilities in career development,” said Mr. Andrew Nisbet, General Manager of Hilton Hanoi Opera and Hilton Garden Inn.

Kenan Institute Asia is a knowledge and capacity building organization implementing results oriented, social and economic development programming on a not-for-profit basis. In the last 18 months Kenan in Vietnam has provided services to 11,470 direct beneficiaries.